Elma, New York – Mark Andol, the visionary founder of the Made in America Store and a devoted advocate for group travel, tour operators, and American manufacturing. Andol, 58, died earlier this week, leaving behind a legacy built on patriotism, resilience, and personal connection.
Known nationwide for creating a unique destination just outside Buffalo in Elma, New York, Andol turned his flagship store into more than a retail stop — it became a point of pride for bus travelers, tour planners, and visitors seeking authentic American-made goods. Founded in 2010 after his welding company lost a major contract to foreign competition, the Made in America Store was Andol’s response to economic loss: a business where 100% of every product — including packaging — was made in the USA.
“He didn’t just create a store — he created a movement,” said Jack Kaufman, Vice President of Timi’s Tours in Moweaqua, Illinois. “Mark personally greeted the bus groups that came through and made them feel like family. For many of our passengers, visiting his store became the highlight of their Niagara Falls trip.”
Tour companies across the Midwest and Northeast made the store a staple of their itineraries, drawn not only by the patriotic theme but by Andol’s hands-on hospitality. He celebrated each bus arrival — snapping photos, posting on social media, and even commemorating milestone visits like the 1,300th and 1,500th motorcoach.
A Vocal Industry Advocate
During the pandemic, Andol was an outspoken supporter of the motorcoach sector, inviting tour operators to share their struggles on his in-store radio show. “He got it,” Kaufman said. “He understood our value and did everything he could to promote us.”
The bonds he formed extended beyond business. Kaufman credits Andol and Dorothy Furtney, the store’s longtime B2B Director, with fostering genuine friendships that spanned years and states. “Mark had a way of making you feel seen,” Kaufman added. “He brought energy, heart, and sincerity into everything.”
A Legacy Rooted in American Values and Hospitality
Andol’s vision reached far beyond commerce. His store stood as a symbol of economic hope and national unity. What started with 50 products grew into thousands — each one vetted to ensure full American origin. That principle became a beacon for bus travelers and loyal customers alike.
“He loved buses,” Kaufman recalled. “He loved the people who traveled on them. He loved the idea of discovery.”
Memorial service details are expected to be announced soon. As word of his passing spreads across the tourism and manufacturing sectors, many are reflecting on the man who turned hardship into inspiration and welcomed every motorcoach as if it were the first.
